SPOTLIGHT | From the 'Lion King' prequel to erotic thriller 'Babygirl' ...

Spotlight is our bite-sized entertainment snapshot featuring new releases in South Africa, exclusive film trailers and more. New episodes come out every Thursday on Sunday Times Lifestyle, Sowetan Entertainment and YouTube, plus you can follow Spotlight on Facebook.

The final episode of Spotlight for this year is jam-packed with blockbuster releases ranging from Mufasa: The Lion King to an erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman and an unlikely alliance taking shape in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

The prequel to the 2019 live action box office hit The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King from award-winning director Barry Jenkins is the larger-than-life story of how the orphaned cub Mufasa became king and how brothers Scar and Mufasa became sworn enemies. A chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of misfits searching for their destinies. Starring winning voice actors John Kani, Beyoncé, Aaron Pierre and more. Don’t miss Spotlight’s segment from the local star-studded premiere event. Now at cinemas, 3D and IMAX.

In this erotic thriller, a high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she starts an affair with an intern. Babygirl debuted at this year’s Venice International Film Festival where Nicole Kidman won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. The film was named one of the 10 films for 2024 by the National Board of Review. Directed by renowned Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies, Instinct), Babygirl is a raw, electrifying and fearless movie with powerful performances. Fellow cast members include Antonio Banderas, Harris Dickinson and Sophie Wilde. At cinemas from December 25.

In the next outing of this popular franchise, Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow — a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is directed by Jeff Fowler and returns with an all-star cast including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz and Idris Elba. Keanu Reeves joins the hit movie series. Watch as our trio seek help from an unlikely ally to defeat a new enemy. At cinemas, 4DX and D-Box from December 26.

Don’t miss Spotlight’s segment looking back at highlights of 2024 and what there is to look forward to in 2025. Season’s greetings till we see you again on January 23 2025.

• Book your cinema tickets by visiting sterkinekor.com and numetro.co.za.

For full interviews, breaking news, trailers and clips visit our Spotlight Facebook page. See you at the movies.

Presenter Collette Prince is styled and dressed by Claris by Gerrit Pienaar when attending premieres and special events.

Facebook @Claris by Gerrit Pienaar/Instagram: gerritpienaardesigns.

Competition giveaways

Win a Mufasa: The Lion King exclusive merchandise hamper or stand a chance to win a Sonic the Hedgehog 3 exclusive merchandise hamper by answering questions about the films.

For full competition details and the question, go to the Spotlight South Africa Facebook page and DM your answers and contact details by December 26.

Terms and conditions apply.

Winners will be drawn randomly and notified by SMS after the competition has closed. Entrants’ personal details will not be retained for marketing purposes. Winners have to provide proof of age (ID/driving licence) and cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. By entering, participants agree to have their names published on TimesLIVE, SowetanLIVE and Spotlight South Africa on Facebook. Employees of Arena Holdings and their family members are not eligible to enter.